Black spot under big toe nail

Offline Beck34 over 3 years ago

Hi,

I recently discovered a black spot on my left big toe under the nail. The nail also looks slightly discoloured (yellow) so I sent a photo to my GP to request fungal nail treatment and he called me back to say he's referring me to a dermatologist to rule out melanoma. Needless to say, I'm a bit shocked as melanoma hadn't crossed my mind although I'm grateful my doctors being so proactive. I've just supported my mum through radiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma and am now really paranoid and worrying about the appointment. I'm seeing the dermatologist on 27th September, I just wondered if anyone can tell me what to expect from the appointment or help out my mind at rest?

thank you so much :)

Offline CRUK Nurse Wanda over 3 years ago

Hi and thanks for the post
I'm sorry to hear about your mum and can imagine that this current news was a shock for you.
It can be worrying being referred to a dermatologist unexpectedly, though it's great you have as you say, a proactive GP.
In many cases, it won't turn out to be a subungual melanoma as they are not that common, though it's good to get it checked out.
The dermatologist will examine the nail and do either a punch biopsy of the nail or remove the nail so it can be looked at under the microscope in the laboratory . That will show whether there are any cancer cells there or not.
It's hard waiting for an appointment so try and not look too far ahead or google as it really won't be able to tell you what may be going on with your nail. Best to just take each day, keep busy and hold your nerve.
All the best
Wanda
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